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Horse Racing

City slicker should eclipse Sandown field

July 2024

City Of Troy will not be any sort of price for the Coral-Eclipse but if in the same form as last time, he is impossible to oppose.

It was a huge shock when Aidan O'Brien's champion juvenile trailed home ninth, beaten 17 lengths, in the 2000 Guineas, surrendering his unbeaten record in the tamest of fashion as he dropped right back through the field in the final 400m.

The Justify-colt was very keen that day and O'Brien felt he had sent his star to Newmarket short of his best, an opinion that was totally borne out at Epsom.

While keen again, Ryan Moore managed to get him settled from an unfavourable draw in stall one and he could be called the winner from some way out in the premier Classic.

The fact he took some time to pull up after cruising to a near 3-length win suggests City Of Troy had plenty in reserve and although that could mean he will not be suited by dropping back to 2000m, his change of gear was sublime and the presence of stablemate Hans Andersen will make sure they do not hang about.

Live In The Dream perhaps has something to prove in the Coral Charge after a short-priced Haydock defeat last time out.

Winner of last year's Nunthorpe, Live In The Dream posted a fine second on his seasonal bow in the Temple Stakes on ground that was not ideal, but it was a surprise when he could trail home only fifth in the Listed Achilles Stakes subsequently.

After appearing to stumble at the start, Live In The Dream did manage to assume his usual position at the head of affairs but his race was run over 200m out and he dropped away in the finish. Adam West felt his troubled start took its toll, so it is worth keeping the faith.

Classic can turn around recent form with Two Tempting in the Coral Challenge.

After finishing last on his return at Sandown in May, Richard Hannon's charge went down by just a head to his reopposing rival over the same 1600m he faces here.

He might have been a bit unlucky as he came from the back of the field and a 1lb rise should not prove too much of an issue.

Regal Jubilee was another who did not enjoy an ideal run on her most recent spin.

Second in the Fred Darling first time up, John and Thady Gosden felt she merited a shot at Classic glory in the 1000 Guineas but that proved beyond her and she came home a well-beaten 10th.

Dropped back to Listed company and upped to 2000m at Goodwood, she found only Francophone too good after struggling for a run with 400m to go.

Given she was conceding 3lb, her 0.75-length defeat deserves marking up ahead of the Coral Distaff.

Tiffany can make a quick leap to Group Two glory in the bet365 Lancashire Oaks at Haydock.

She really came of age at Newcastle last week when registering an impressive success in the Group Three Hoppings Stakes, having previously struck twice at Listed level in Germany.

Moving back to turf is obviously not a concern and she comes here in clearly excellent form for Sir Mark Prescott.

Maghlaak can gain redemption for a Redcar defeat in the bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap.

Contesting the Zetland Gold Cup, he had to race wide and never really got into a decent position so his defeat as favourite can be forgiven. - Press Association

SELECTIONS:

BELLEWSTOWN: Race 1: 17.53 St Faz, Race 2: 18.28 Point Gellibrand, Race 3: 18.58 Redwood Queen, Race 4: 19.30 Cottesloe Sunshine, Race 5: 20.00 On My Bike, Race 6: 20.30 Kalsman, Race 7: 21.00 Club Manager, Race 8: 21.30 Gers Gigi.

BEVERLEY: Race 1: 14.40 Footwork, Race 2: 15.15 Uncle Don, Race 3: 15.50 Persian Blue, Race 4: 16.25 Zapphire, Race 5: 17.00 God Of Fire, Race 6: 17.35 Little Venice.

CARLISLE: Race 1: 18.48 Brian The Snail, Race 2: 19.18 Gold Black, Race 3: 19.48 Dc Flyer, Race 4: 20.20 Lady La Fay, Race 5: 20.50 Isla Bella, Race 6: 21.20 Helter Skelter, Race 7: 21.50 Shahnaz.

HAYDOCK: Race 1: 14.30 Cloud King, Race 2: 15.05 Dramatic Star, Race 3: 15.40 Tiffany, Race 4: 16.15 Maghlaak, Race 5: 16.50 Hofburg, Race 6: 17.25 Mister Sketch, Race 7: 18.00 Kodi Lion.

LEICESTER: Race 1: 17.05 Coiled, Race 2: 17.40 Ribkana, Race 3: 18.15 Asinara, Race 4: 18.53 King Of Charm, Race 5: 19.25 Canaria Queen, Race 6: 19.55 Charlatan.

NAAS: Race 1: 15.10 Sweet Chariot, Race 2: 15.45 Billie Be Quick, Race 3: 16.20 Scarlet Dancer, Race 4: 16.55 Tai Tam Bay, Race 5: 17.30 Swagman, Race 6: 18.05 Democracy, Race 7: 18.40 Dancing Steve.

NOTTINGHAM: Race 1: 18.35 Irv, Race 2: 19.10 Hallasan, Race 3: 19.40 Spring Is Sprung, Race 4: 20.10 Ray Vonn, Race 5: 20.40 Bill's Baar, Race 6: 21.10 Fortnum, Race 7: 21.40 Lincoln Rockstar.

SANDOWN: Race 1: 14.15 Swindon, Race 2: 14.50 LIVE IN THE DREAM (NAP), Race 3: 15.25 Classic, Race 4: 16.00 Regal Jubilee, Race 5: 16.35 City Of Troy, Race 6: 17.12 Dramatic Effect, Race 7: 17.47 Dambuster.

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